Bergische Synagogue - Revision history

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	[[Category:Synagogues completed in 2002]]		[[Category:Synagogues completed in 2002]]
	[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wuppertal]]		[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wuppertal]]

	~~[[de:Bergische Synagoge]]~~
	~~[[pl:Nowa Synagoga w Wuppertalu]]~~

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	[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wuppertal]]		[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wuppertal]]

			[[de:Bergische Synagoge]]
			[[pl:Nowa Synagoga w Wuppertalu]]

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	~~<table class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; width:22em; margin:0 0 1em 1em;">~~		{{Infobox synagogue
	~~<caption style~~=~~"font-weight:bold; font-size:1.2em;">~~Bergische Synagoge~~</caption>~~		\|name=Bergische Synagoge
	~~<tr><td colspan~~=~~"2" style="text-align:center;">[[File:~~Bergische Synagoge.jpg\|~~250px~~\|~~Bergische Synagoge in Wuppertal]]</td></tr>~~		\|image=Bergische Synagoge.jpg
	~~<tr><th scope~~=~~"row">Religion</th><td>~~Judaism~~</td></tr>~~		\|image_caption=View of the synagogue
	~~<tr><th scope~~=~~"row">Location</th><td>~~Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany~~</td></tr>~~		\|religion=Judaism
	~~<tr><th scope~~=~~"row">Architect</th><td>~~Goedeking + Schmidt~~</td></tr>~~		\|location=Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany
	~~<tr><th scope~~=~~"row">Type</th><td>~~Synagogue~~</td></tr>~~		\|architect=Goedeking + Schmidt
	~~<tr><th scope~~=~~"row">Groundbreaking</th><td>~~9 November 1998~~</td></tr>~~		\|architecture_type=Synagogue
	~~</table>~~		\|groundbreaking=9 November 1998
			}}

	The '''Bergische Synagoge''' is a synagogue in the Barmen district of [[Wuppertal]], [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], Germany. It is the place of worship of the Jewish community of Wuppertal and was inaugurated on 8 December 2002, 64 years after the destruction of the former Barmen synagogue during the [[Kristallnacht\|November pogroms of 1938]]. It is located near the [[Gemarker Church]] on Gemarker Straße.<ref name="Uni">[https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002)] (2026). ''Bergische University Wuppertal''.</ref>		The '''Bergische Synagoge''' is a synagogue in the Barmen district of [[Wuppertal]], [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], Germany. It is the place of worship of the Jewish community of Wuppertal and was inaugurated on 8 December 2002, 64 years after the destruction of the former Barmen synagogue during the [[Kristallnacht\|November pogroms of 1938]]. It is located near the [[Gemarker Church]] on Gemarker Straße.<ref name="Uni">[https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002)] (2026). ''Bergische University Wuppertal''.</ref>

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	<table class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; width:22em; margin:0 0 1em 1em;">		<table class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; width:22em; margin:0 0 1em 1em;">
	<caption style="font-weight:bold; font-size:1.2em;">Bergische Synagoge</caption>		<caption style="font-weight:bold; font-size:1.2em;">Bergische Synagoge</caption>
			<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">[[File:Bergische Synagoge.jpg\|250px\|Bergische Synagoge in Wuppertal]]</td></tr>
	<tr><th scope="row">Religion</th><td>Judaism</td></tr>		<tr><th scope="row">Religion</th><td>Judaism</td></tr>
	<tr><th scope="row">Location</th><td>Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany</td></tr>		<tr><th scope="row">Location</th><td>Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany</td></tr>
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	On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place as a man poured flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance to the synagogue and set it on fire. Only minor damage was sustained because the fire was quickly put down. An Afghan man was later arrested near the synagogue. Knives and a [[machete]] were found in his flat and there are indications that he made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">[https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus] (17 September 2026). ''Tagesschau''.</ref><ref name="DW20262">[https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue] (18 September 2026). ''Deutsche Welle''.</ref>		On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place as a man poured flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance to the synagogue and set it on fire. Only minor damage was sustained because the fire was quickly put down. An Afghan man was later arrested near the synagogue. Knives and a [[machete]] were found in his flat and there are indications that he made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">[https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus] (17 September 2026). ''Tagesschau''.</ref><ref name="DW20262">[https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue] (18 September 2026). ''Deutsche Welle''.</ref>

			== Gallery ==
			<gallery widths="150" heights="150" perrow="4">
			File:Bergische Synagoge.jpg\|View of the synagogue
			File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0001.jpg\|View from Gemarker Straße
			File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0002.jpg\|Another view from Gemarker Straße
			File:Wuppertal, Gemarker Str. 15, Fassade Paul-Humburg-Str., Bergische Synagoge.jpg\|Façade on Paul-Humburg-Straße
			</gallery>

	== References ==		== References ==

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← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 27 October 2026
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	~~{{Short description\|Synagogue in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany}}~~		<table class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; width:22em; margin:0 0 1em 1em;">
	~~{{Infobox synagogue~~		<caption style="font-weight:bold; font-size:1.2em;">Bergische Synagoge</caption>
	~~\| name~~ = ~~Bergische Synagoge~~		<tr><th scope="row">Religion</th><td>Judaism</td></tr>
	~~\| religious_affiliation~~ = ~~Judaism~~		<tr><th scope="row">Location</th><td>Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany</td></tr>
	~~\| image~~ = Bergische Synagoge~~.jpg~~		<tr><th scope="row">Architect</th><td>Goedeking + Schmidt</td></tr>
	~~\| caption~~ = ~~Bergische Synagoge in 2007~~		<tr><th scope="row">Type</th><td>Synagogue</td></tr>
	~~\| location~~ = Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany		<tr><th scope="row">Groundbreaking</th><td>9 November 1998</td></tr>
	~~\| architect~~ = Goedeking + Schmidt		</table>
	~~\| architecture_type~~ = Synagogue
	~~\| groundbreaking~~ = 9 November 1998
	~~\| image_size = 250px~~
	}}

	The '''Bergische Synagoge''' is a synagogue in the Barmen district of [[Wuppertal]], [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], Germany. It is the place of worship of the Jewish community of Wuppertal and was inaugurated on 8 December 2002, 64 years after the destruction of the former Barmen synagogue during the [[Kristallnacht\|November pogroms of 1938]]. It is located near the [[Gemarker Church]] on Gemarker Straße.<ref name="Uni">~~{{cite web \|date=2026 \|title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) \|url=~~https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ ~~\|website=~~Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>		The '''Bergische Synagoge''' is a synagogue in the Barmen district of [[Wuppertal]], [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], Germany. It is the place of worship of the Jewish community of Wuppertal and was inaugurated on 8 December 2002, 64 years after the destruction of the former Barmen synagogue during the [[Kristallnacht\|November pogroms of 1938]]. It is located near the [[Gemarker Church]] on Gemarker Straße.<ref name="Uni">[https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002)] (2026). ''Bergische University Wuppertal''.</ref>

	== History ==		== History ==

	=== Jewish community after 1945 ===		=== Jewish community after 1945 ===
	The former Barmen synagogue, completed in 1897 to designs by [[Ludwig Levy]], was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938. In 1945, after the [[Second World War]], about 145 Jewish survivors returned to Wuppertal and re-established a community. BEcause there was no Jewish life left in Wuppertal after the war, services took place in the former Jewish retirement home, located in Friedrich-Ebert-Straße.<ref name="Uni">~~{{cite web \|date=2026 \|title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) \|url=~~https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ ~~\|website=~~Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>		The former Barmen synagogue, completed in 1897 to designs by [[Ludwig Levy]], was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938. In 1945, after the [[Second World War]], about 145 Jewish survivors returned to Wuppertal and re-established a community. BEcause there was no Jewish life left in Wuppertal after the war, services took place in the former Jewish retirement home, located in Friedrich-Ebert-Straße.<ref name="Uni">[https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002)] (2026). ''Bergische University Wuppertal''.</ref>

	By the end of the 1980s, the Jewish community only included 65 members. During the 1990s, membership increased to approximately 2,000 due to the arrival of Jewish immigrants from the former [[Soviet Union]], which created a need for a larger synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau">~~{{cite news \|date=27 January 2026 \|title=Doku zum Bau der neuen Bergischen Synagoge Wuppertal \|url=~~https://www.wuppertaler-rundschau.de/lokales/doku-zum-bau-der-neuen-bergischen-synagoge-wuppertal_aid-142929573 ~~\|work=~~Wuppertaler Rundschau}}</ref>		By the end of the 1980s, the Jewish community only included 65 members. During the 1990s, membership increased to approximately 2,000 due to the arrival of Jewish immigrants from the former [[Soviet Union]], which created a need for a larger synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau">[https://www.wuppertaler-rundschau.de/lokales/doku-zum-bau-der-neuen-bergischen-synagoge-wuppertal_aid-142929573 Doku zum Bau der neuen Bergischen Synagoge Wuppertal] (27 January 2026). ''Wuppertaler Rundschau''.</ref>

	=== Construction ===		=== Construction ===
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	The construction cost approximately €4.5 million. The project received support from the cities of Wuppertal, [[Solingen]], [[Remscheid]] and [[Velbert]], as well as from the German state and the Jewish community.<ref name="Rundschau" />		The construction cost approximately €4.5 million. The project received support from the cities of Wuppertal, [[Solingen]], [[Remscheid]] and [[Velbert]], as well as from the German state and the Jewish community.<ref name="Rundschau" />

	The synagogue was designed by the Wuppertal architects Goedeking + Schmidt. The building consists of two cubic wings surrounding a round prayer hall. The hall is oriented towards [[Jerusalem]], with the [[Torah ark]] and the [[Bema#Judaism\|bimah]] forming the liturgical centre. Nine tall, narrow windows on the street-facing side represent the nine lights of a [[Hanukkiah]]. A glass structure above the prayer hall forms a [[Star of David]] in the roof structure.<ref name="Baukunst">~~{{cite web \|title=Neue Synagoge Wuppertal \|url=~~https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal ~~\|access-date=~~24 September 2026 ~~\|website=Baukunst NRW}}~~</ref>		The synagogue was designed by the Wuppertal architects Goedeking + Schmidt. The building consists of two cubic wings surrounding a round prayer hall. The hall is oriented towards [[Jerusalem]], with the [[Torah ark]] and the [[Bema#Judaism\|bimah]] forming the liturgical centre. Nine tall, narrow windows on the street-facing side represent the nine lights of a [[Hanukkiah]]. A glass structure above the prayer hall forms a [[Star of David]] in the roof structure.<ref name="Baukunst">[https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal Neue Synagoge Wuppertal]. ''Baukunst NRW''. Accessed 24 September 2026.</ref>

	The synagogue can accommodate approximately 300 people. Above the entrance is a [[Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] inscription from [[Isaiah 56:7]]: {{lang\|he\|ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים}}, translated as "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples". The inscription also appeared above the entrance to the former Barmen synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Baukunst" />		The synagogue can accommodate approximately 300 people. Above the entrance is a [[Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] inscription from [[Isaiah 56:7]]: <span lang="he" dir="rtl">ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים</span>, translated as "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples". The inscription also appeared above the entrance to the former Barmen synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Baukunst" />

	The inauguration of the synagogue was attended by German President [[Johannes Rau]], Israeli President [[Moshe Katsav]] and [[Paul Spiegel]], chairman of the [[Central Council of Jews in Germany]]. It was the first time that an Israeli president had attended the inauguration of a synagogue in Germany.<ref name="Wuppertal2002">~~{{cite web \|date=8 December 2002 \|title=Zwei Torarollen für die Bergische Synagoge \|url=~~https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/is4news/rathaus_behoerden_presse_2002/synagoge-nachmittag.php ~~\|website=~~City of Wuppertal}}</ref>		The inauguration of the synagogue was attended by German President [[Johannes Rau]], Israeli President [[Moshe Katsav]] and [[Paul Spiegel]], chairman of the [[Central Council of Jews in Germany]]. It was the first time that an Israeli president had attended the inauguration of a synagogue in Germany.<ref name="Wuppertal2002">[https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/is4news/rathaus_behoerden_presse_2002/synagoge-nachmittag.php Zwei Torarollen für die Bergische Synagoge] (8 December 2002). ''City of Wuppertal''.</ref>

	== Attacks ==		== Attacks ==
	The synagogue has been the target of two attempted arson attacks.		The synagogue has been the target of two attempted arson attacks.

	On 29 July 2014, three men threw several incendiary devices at the synagogue. No one was injured and initial police investigations found no damage to the building. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested, while police searched for two other suspects.<ref name="AP20142">~~{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Synagogue in Germany attacked \|url=~~https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/synagogue-in-germany-attacked/30912014 ~~\|agency=~~Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="Reuters20142">~~{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Assailants attack synagogue in western Germany \|url=~~https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/jewish-features/assailants-attack-synagogue-in-western-germany-369284 ~~\|work=~~The Jerusalem Post ~~\|agency=~~Reuters}}</ref> The three men were later convicted of attempted aggravated arson. During the trial, the defendants said they had intended to draw attention to the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="taz20152">~~{{cite news \|date=14 January 2015 \|title=Anschlag auf Wuppertaler Synagoge: Der Alkohol soll Schuld sein \|url=~~https://taz.de/Anschlag-auf-Wuppertaler-Synagoge/%215023774/ ~~\|work=~~die tageszeitung}}</ref>		On 29 July 2014, three men threw several incendiary devices at the synagogue. No one was injured and initial police investigations found no damage to the building. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested, while police searched for two other suspects.<ref name="AP20142">[https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/synagogue-in-germany-attacked/30912014 Synagogue in Germany attacked] (29 July 2014). Associated Press.</ref><ref name="Reuters20142">[https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/jewish-features/assailants-attack-synagogue-in-western-germany-369284 Assailants attack synagogue in western Germany] (29 July 2014). ''The Jerusalem Post''. Reuters.</ref> The three men were later convicted of attempted aggravated arson. During the trial, the defendants said they had intended to draw attention to the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="taz20152">[https://taz.de/Anschlag-auf-Wuppertaler-Synagoge/%215023774/ Anschlag auf Wuppertaler Synagoge: Der Alkohol soll Schuld sein] (14 January 2015). ''die tageszeitung''.</ref>

	On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place as a man poured flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance to the synagogue and set it on fire. Only minor damage was sustained because the fire was quickly put down. An Afghan man was later arrested near the synagogue. Knives and a [[machete]] were found in his flat and there are indications that he made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">~~{{cite news \|date=17 September 2026 \|title=Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus \|url=~~https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html ~~\|work=~~Tagesschau}}</ref><ref name="DW20262">~~{{cite news \|date=18 September 2026 \|title=German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue \|url=~~https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 ~~\|work=~~Deutsche Welle}}</ref>		On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place as a man poured flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance to the synagogue and set it on fire. Only minor damage was sustained because the fire was quickly put down. An Afghan man was later arrested near the synagogue. Knives and a [[machete]] were found in his flat and there are indications that he made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">[https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus] (17 September 2026). ''Tagesschau''.</ref><ref name="DW20262">[https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue] (18 September 2026). ''Deutsche Welle''.</ref>

	~~== Gallery ==~~

	~~<gallery>~~
	~~File:Barmen Bergische Synagoge 75.jpg\|View of the synagogue~~
	~~File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0001.jpg\|View from Gemarker Straße~~
	~~File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0003.jpg\|Another view from Gemarker Straße~~
	~~File:Wuppertal, Gemarker Str. 15, Fassade Paul-Humburg-Str., Bergische Synagoge.jpg\|Façade on Paul-Humburg-Straße~~
	~~</gallery~~>

	== References ==		== References ==
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	== External links ==		== External links ==
	* ~~{{Official website\|~~https://www.bergische-synagoge.de/}}		* [https://www.bergische-synagoge.de/ Official website]
	* [https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergische Synagogue (1996–2002)] – Bergische University Wuppertal		* [https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergische Synagogue (1996–2002)] – Bergische University Wuppertal
	* [https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal Neue Synagoge Wuppertal] – Baukunst NRW		* [https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal Neue Synagoge Wuppertal] – Baukunst NRW

Notmaya at 20:53, 27 October 2026

2026-10-27T20:53:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 27 October 2026
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	=== Jewish community after 1945 ===		=== Jewish community after 1945 ===
	The former Barmen synagogue, completed in 1897 to designs by [[Ludwig Levy]], was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938. In 1945, after the [[Second World War]], about 145 Jewish survivors returned to Wuppertal and re-established a community. ~~As the infrastructure of~~ Jewish life ~~had been destroyed~~, services ~~were initially held~~ in the former Jewish retirement home on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße~~. This arrangement remained in use for decades~~.<ref name="Uni">{{cite web \|date=2026 \|title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) \|url=https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ \|website=Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>		The former Barmen synagogue, completed in 1897 to designs by [[Ludwig Levy]], was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938. In 1945, after the [[Second World War]], about 145 Jewish survivors returned to Wuppertal and re-established a community. BEcause there was no Jewish life left in Wuppertal after the war, services took place in the former Jewish retirement home, located in Friedrich-Ebert-Straße.<ref name="Uni">{{cite web \|date=2026 \|title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) \|url=https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ \|website=Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>

	By the end of the 1980s, the community ~~had declined to about~~ 65 members. During the 1990s, ~~its~~ membership increased to ~~about~~ 2,000 ~~as a result of~~ the arrival of Jewish immigrants from the former [[Soviet Union]], ~~creating~~ a need for a larger synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau">{{cite news \|date=27 January 2026 \|title=Doku zum Bau der neuen Bergischen Synagoge Wuppertal \|url=https://www.wuppertaler-rundschau.de/lokales/doku-zum-bau-der-neuen-bergischen-synagoge-wuppertal_aid-142929573 \|work=Wuppertaler Rundschau}}</ref>		By the end of the 1980s, the Jewish community only included 65 members. During the 1990s, membership increased to approximately 2,000 due to the arrival of Jewish immigrants from the former [[Soviet Union]], which created a need for a larger synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau">{{cite news \|date=27 January 2026 \|title=Doku zum Bau der neuen Bergischen Synagoge Wuppertal \|url=https://www.wuppertaler-rundschau.de/lokales/doku-zum-bau-der-neuen-bergischen-synagoge-wuppertal_aid-142929573 \|work=Wuppertaler Rundschau}}</ref>

	=== Construction ===		=== Construction ===
	In 1996, former Wuppertal mayor [[Ursula Kraus]] initiated the establishment of the ''Freundeskreis Neue Synagoge e.V.'', an association supporting the construction of a new synagogue in Barmen. The ~~search~~ for a suitable ~~site led to~~ a ~~plot next to~~ the Gemarker Church that belonged to the Protestant community. The [[Evangelical Church in the Rhineland]] made the property available for the synagogue. The decision to use the site was made as the Jewish community was growing and there was no suitable vacant land elsewhere.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau" />		In 1996, former Wuppertal mayor [[Ursula Kraus]] initiated the establishment of the ''Freundeskreis Neue Synagoge e.V.'', an association supporting the construction of a new synagogue in Barmen. The place intended for a future synagogue that was suitable for a growing Jewish community was near the protestant Gemarker Church.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau" />

	~~The first symbolic~~ groundbreaking ceremony ~~took place~~ on 9 November 1998, the 60th anniversary of the November pogroms. The foundation stone was laid in October 2001, and the synagogue was inaugurated on 8 December 2002.<ref name="Uni" />		A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 9 November 1998, a date that was also the 60th anniversary of the November pogroms. The foundation stone was laid in October 2001, and the synagogue was inaugurated on 8 December 2002.<ref name="Uni" />

	The construction cost approximately €4.5 million. The project received support from the cities of Wuppertal, [[Solingen]], [[Remscheid]] and [[Velbert]], as well as from the German state and the Jewish community.<ref name="Rundschau" />		The construction cost approximately €4.5 million. The project received support from the cities of Wuppertal, [[Solingen]], [[Remscheid]] and [[Velbert]], as well as from the German state and the Jewish community.<ref name="Rundschau" />
Line 32:		Line 32:
	The synagogue can accommodate approximately 300 people. Above the entrance is a [[Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] inscription from [[Isaiah 56:7]]: {{lang\|he\|ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים}}, translated as "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples". The inscription also appeared above the entrance to the former Barmen synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Baukunst" />		The synagogue can accommodate approximately 300 people. Above the entrance is a [[Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] inscription from [[Isaiah 56:7]]: {{lang\|he\|ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים}}, translated as "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples". The inscription also appeared above the entrance to the former Barmen synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Baukunst" />

	The synagogue's location beside the Gemarker Church also has historical significance. The church is associated with the [[Barmen Declaration]], adopted there in 1934 by representatives of the [[Confessing Church]] in opposition to the influence of National Socialism on [[Protestantism in Germany\|German Protestantism]]. The construction of the synagogue ~~on land provided by the Protestant community has been examined in the context of Jewish-Christian relations in post-war Wuppertal.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau" />~~		The inauguration of the synagogue was attended by German President [[Johannes Rau]], Israeli President [[Moshe Katsav]] and [[Paul Spiegel]], chairman of the [[Central Council of Jews in Germany]]. It was the first time that an Israeli president had attended the inauguration of a synagogue in Germany.<ref name="Wuppertal2002">{{cite web \|date=8 December 2002 \|title=Zwei Torarollen für die Bergische Synagoge \|url=https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/is4news/rathaus_behoerden_presse_2002/synagoge-nachmittag.php \|website=City of Wuppertal}}</ref>

	~~The inauguration~~ was attended by German President [[Johannes Rau]], Israeli President [[Moshe Katsav]] and [[Paul Spiegel]], chairman of the [[Central Council of Jews in Germany]]. It was the first time that an Israeli president had attended the inauguration of a synagogue in Germany.<ref name="Wuppertal2002">{{cite web \|date=8 December 2002 \|title=Zwei Torarollen für die Bergische Synagoge \|url=https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/is4news/rathaus_behoerden_presse_2002/synagoge-nachmittag.php \|website=City of Wuppertal}}</ref>

	== Attacks ==		== Attacks ==
Line 41:		Line 39:
	On 29 July 2014, three men threw several incendiary devices at the synagogue. No one was injured and initial police investigations found no damage to the building. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested, while police searched for two other suspects.<ref name="AP20142">{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Synagogue in Germany attacked \|url=https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/synagogue-in-germany-attacked/30912014 \|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="Reuters20142">{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Assailants attack synagogue in western Germany \|url=https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/jewish-features/assailants-attack-synagogue-in-western-germany-369284 \|work=The Jerusalem Post \|agency=Reuters}}</ref> The three men were later convicted of attempted aggravated arson. During the trial, the defendants said they had intended to draw attention to the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="taz20152">{{cite news \|date=14 January 2015 \|title=Anschlag auf Wuppertaler Synagoge: Der Alkohol soll Schuld sein \|url=https://taz.de/Anschlag-auf-Wuppertaler-Synagoge/%215023774/ \|work=die tageszeitung}}</ref>		On 29 July 2014, three men threw several incendiary devices at the synagogue. No one was injured and initial police investigations found no damage to the building. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested, while police searched for two other suspects.<ref name="AP20142">{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Synagogue in Germany attacked \|url=https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/synagogue-in-germany-attacked/30912014 \|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="Reuters20142">{{cite news \|date=29 July 2014 \|title=Assailants attack synagogue in western Germany \|url=https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/jewish-features/assailants-attack-synagogue-in-western-germany-369284 \|work=The Jerusalem Post \|agency=Reuters}}</ref> The three men were later convicted of attempted aggravated arson. During the trial, the defendants said they had intended to draw attention to the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="taz20152">{{cite news \|date=14 January 2015 \|title=Anschlag auf Wuppertaler Synagoge: Der Alkohol soll Schuld sein \|url=https://taz.de/Anschlag-auf-Wuppertaler-Synagoge/%215023774/ \|work=die tageszeitung}}</ref>

	On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place~~. According to police,~~ a ~~37-year-old~~ man ~~spread~~ flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance and set it ~~alight~~. ~~The~~ fire was quickly ~~extinguished and caused only minor damage, and injuries were reported~~. ~~The suspect, an~~ Afghan ~~citizen,~~ was arrested near the ~~scene and later placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of attempted aggravated arson~~. ~~A search of his apartment found several knives~~ and a [[machete]]~~. Prosecutors also said~~ that he ~~had~~ made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">{{cite news \|date=17 September 2026 \|title=Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus \|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html \|work=Tagesschau}}</ref><ref name="DW20262">{{cite news \|date=18 September 2026 \|title=German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue \|url=https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 \|work=Deutsche Welle}}</ref>		On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place as a man poured flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance to the synagogue and set it on fire. Only minor damage was sustained because the fire was quickly put down. An Afghan man was later arrested near the synagogue. Knives and a [[machete]] were found in his flat and there are indications that he made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism\|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">{{cite news \|date=17 September 2026 \|title=Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus \|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html \|work=Tagesschau}}</ref><ref name="DW20262">{{cite news \|date=18 September 2026 \|title=German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue \|url=https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 \|work=Deutsche Welle}}</ref>

	== Gallery ==		== Gallery ==

Notmaya at 20:34, 27 October 2026

2026-10-27T20:34:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 27 October 2026
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	== References ==		== References ==
	~~{{reflist}}~~		<references />

	== External links ==		== External links ==

Notmaya: Created page with "{{Short description|Synagogue in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany}} {{Infobox synagogue | name = Bergische Synagoge | religious_affiliation = Judaism | image = Bergische Synagoge.jpg | caption = Bergische Synagoge in 2007 | location = Gemarker Straße
Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany | architect = Goedeking + Schmidt | architecture_type = Synagogue | groundbreaking = 9 November 1998 | image_siz..."

2026-10-27T20:28:37Z

Created page with "{{Short description|Synagogue in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany}} {{Infobox synagogue | name = Bergische Synagoge | religious_affiliation = Judaism | image = Bergische Synagoge.jpg | caption = Bergische Synagoge in 2007 | location = Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany | architect = Goedeking + Schmidt | architecture_type = Synagogue | groundbreaking = 9 November 1998 | image_siz..."

New page

{{Short description|Synagogue in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany}}
{{Infobox synagogue
| name = Bergische Synagoge
| religious_affiliation = Judaism
| image = Bergische Synagoge.jpg
| caption = Bergische Synagoge in 2007
| location = Gemarker Straße<br>Wuppertal-Barmen, Germany
| architect = Goedeking + Schmidt
| architecture_type = Synagogue
| groundbreaking = 9 November 1998
| image_size = 250px
}}

The '''Bergische Synagoge''' is a synagogue in the Barmen district of [[Wuppertal]], [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], Germany. It is the place of worship of the Jewish community of Wuppertal and was inaugurated on 8 December 2002, 64 years after the destruction of the former Barmen synagogue during the [[Kristallnacht|November pogroms of 1938]]. It is located near the [[Gemarker Church]] on Gemarker Straße.<ref name="Uni">{{cite web |date=2026 |title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) |url=https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ |website=Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Jewish community after 1945 ===
The former Barmen synagogue, completed in 1897 to designs by [[Ludwig Levy]], was destroyed during the November pogroms of 1938. In 1945, after the [[Second World War]], about 145 Jewish survivors returned to Wuppertal and re-established a community. As the infrastructure of Jewish life had been destroyed, services were initially held in the former Jewish retirement home on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße. This arrangement remained in use for decades.<ref name="Uni">{{cite web |date=2026 |title=Documentation on the construction of the New Bergisch Synagogue (1996–2002) |url=https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ |website=Bergische University Wuppertal}}</ref>

By the end of the 1980s, the community had declined to about 65 members. During the 1990s, its membership increased to about 2,000 as a result of the arrival of Jewish immigrants from the former [[Soviet Union]], creating a need for a larger synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau">{{cite news |date=27 January 2026 |title=Doku zum Bau der neuen Bergischen Synagoge Wuppertal |url=https://www.wuppertaler-rundschau.de/lokales/doku-zum-bau-der-neuen-bergischen-synagoge-wuppertal_aid-142929573 |work=Wuppertaler Rundschau}}</ref>

=== Construction ===
In 1996, former Wuppertal mayor [[Ursula Kraus]] initiated the establishment of the ''Freundeskreis Neue Synagoge e.V.'', an association supporting the construction of a new synagogue in Barmen. The search for a suitable site led to a plot next to the Gemarker Church that belonged to the Protestant community. The [[Evangelical Church in the Rhineland]] made the property available for the synagogue. The decision to use the site was made as the Jewish community was growing and there was no suitable vacant land elsewhere.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau" />

The first symbolic groundbreaking ceremony took place on 9 November 1998, the 60th anniversary of the November pogroms. The foundation stone was laid in October 2001, and the synagogue was inaugurated on 8 December 2002.<ref name="Uni" />

The construction cost approximately €4.5 million. The project received support from the cities of Wuppertal, [[Solingen]], [[Remscheid]] and [[Velbert]], as well as from the German state and the Jewish community.<ref name="Rundschau" />

The synagogue was designed by the Wuppertal architects Goedeking + Schmidt. The building consists of two cubic wings surrounding a round prayer hall. The hall is oriented towards [[Jerusalem]], with the [[Torah ark]] and the [[Bema#Judaism|bimah]] forming the liturgical centre. Nine tall, narrow windows on the street-facing side represent the nine lights of a [[Hanukkiah]]. A glass structure above the prayer hall forms a [[Star of David]] in the roof structure.<ref name="Baukunst">{{cite web |title=Neue Synagoge Wuppertal |url=https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal |access-date=24 September 2026 |website=Baukunst NRW}}</ref>

The synagogue can accommodate approximately 300 people. Above the entrance is a [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] inscription from [[Isaiah 56:7]]: {{lang|he|ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים}}, translated as "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples". The inscription also appeared above the entrance to the former Barmen synagogue.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Baukunst" />

The synagogue's location beside the Gemarker Church also has historical significance. The church is associated with the [[Barmen Declaration]], adopted there in 1934 by representatives of the [[Confessing Church]] in opposition to the influence of National Socialism on [[Protestantism in Germany|German Protestantism]]. The construction of the synagogue on land provided by the Protestant community has been examined in the context of Jewish-Christian relations in post-war Wuppertal.<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Rundschau" />

The inauguration was attended by German President [[Johannes Rau]], Israeli President [[Moshe Katsav]] and [[Paul Spiegel]], chairman of the [[Central Council of Jews in Germany]]. It was the first time that an Israeli president had attended the inauguration of a synagogue in Germany.<ref name="Wuppertal2002">{{cite web |date=8 December 2002 |title=Zwei Torarollen für die Bergische Synagoge |url=https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/is4news/rathaus_behoerden_presse_2002/synagoge-nachmittag.php |website=City of Wuppertal}}</ref>

== Attacks ==
The synagogue has been the target of two attempted arson attacks.

On 29 July 2014, three men threw several incendiary devices at the synagogue. No one was injured and initial police investigations found no damage to the building. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested, while police searched for two other suspects.<ref name="AP20142">{{cite news |date=29 July 2014 |title=Synagogue in Germany attacked |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/synagogue-in-germany-attacked/30912014 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="Reuters20142">{{cite news |date=29 July 2014 |title=Assailants attack synagogue in western Germany |url=https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/jewish-features/assailants-attack-synagogue-in-western-germany-369284 |work=The Jerusalem Post |agency=Reuters}}</ref> The three men were later convicted of attempted aggravated arson. During the trial, the defendants said they had intended to draw attention to the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="taz20152">{{cite news |date=14 January 2015 |title=Anschlag auf Wuppertaler Synagoge: Der Alkohol soll Schuld sein |url=https://taz.de/Anschlag-auf-Wuppertaler-Synagoge/%215023774/ |work=die tageszeitung}}</ref>

On 17 September 2026, a second attempted arson attack took place. According to police, a 37-year-old man spread flammable liquid on the steps of a side entrance and set it alight. The fire was quickly extinguished and caused only minor damage, and injuries were reported. The suspect, an Afghan citizen, was arrested near the scene and later placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of attempted aggravated arson. A search of his apartment found several knives and a [[machete]]. Prosecutors also said that he had made comments indicating an [[Antisemitism|antisemitic]] motive.<ref name="Tagesschau20262">{{cite news |date=17 September 2026 |title=Anschlag auf Synagoge Wuppertal: Mann warf Beutel mit brennbarer Flüssigkeit gegen Gotteshaus |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-anschlag-auf-synagoge-wuppertal-mann-warf-beutel-mit-brennbarer-fluessigkeit-gegen-gotteshaus-100.html |work=Tagesschau}}</ref><ref name="DW20262">{{cite news |date=18 September 2026 |title=German police probe arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue |url=https://amp.dw.com/en/wuppertal-synagogue-attack/a-79331270 |work=Deutsche Welle}}</ref>

== Gallery ==

<gallery>
File:Barmen Bergische Synagoge 75.jpg|View of the synagogue
File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0001.jpg|View from Gemarker Straße
File:Wuppertal Gemarker Str 0003.jpg|Another view from Gemarker Straße
File:Wuppertal, Gemarker Str. 15, Fassade Paul-Humburg-Str., Bergische Synagoge.jpg|Façade on Paul-Humburg-Straße
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.bergische-synagoge.de/}}
* [https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/en/third-mission/science-communication/transfer-stories/2026/translate-to-englisch-bergische-synagoge/ Documentation on the construction of the New Bergische Synagogue (1996–2002)] – Bergische University Wuppertal
* [https://baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/1061-neue-synagoge-wuppertal Neue Synagoge Wuppertal] – Baukunst NRW

[[Category:Synagogues in North Rhine-Westphalia]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 2002]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wuppertal]]